Exactly how high does the First Order’s chain of command reach?
That’s a question put forward in Mike Zeroh’s latest video (via The Express), in which the Star Wars sleuth claims that Snoke is actually more of a ‘second-in-command’ than an out-and-out ‘supreme leader.’
Zeroh goes on to suggest that Snoke’s master is an entity known only as Ren, and may be introduced in The Last Jedi next month. It’s admittedly a bit of a stretch, as it would only dilute the aura emanating from Andy Serkis’ humanoid alien, but this far-flung fan theory asserts that Kylo Ren is merely a member of the Knights of Ren, and not the titular squad leader after all.
That’s because Adam Driver has allegedly gone on record before to clarify that the Knights of Ren is a group that “exists before him, before Kylo Ren,” as Zeroh points out:
The whole Dark side part of things in the sequel trilogy seems to really be shrouded in mystery. So when I’m looking at the Knights of Ren, who is Ren? I think that’s one of the biggest questions of all…Kylo Ren is Ren isn’t he? Well yes and no at the same exact time. Kylo Ren is actually part of a group called the Knights of Ren.[JJ Abrams previously said], ‘He is a character who came to the name Kylo Ren, when he joined a group called the Knights of Ren.’
Perhaps Ren is the über-villain behind the First Order and the erstwhile Ben Solo is merely his prodigy? Again, it’s not very plausible, as introducing a third antagonist would only muddle the story that Rian Johnson (and J.J. Abrams!) has worked so hard to create.
In closing, Mike Zeroh offers some food for thought:
What if this Ren is an actual character who once existed in the Unknown Regions perhaps? What if Ren was actually Snoke’s master? Wouldn’t Snoke of had a master like Emperor Palpatine or Darth Vader? Kylo Ren’s master is Snoke, who is Snoke’s master? That’s the biggest question of all.
While interesting, Zeroh’s theory tosses up a lot of longstanding questions without any attempt at answering them, so it’s best treating this unfounded rumor as just that. Besides, there’s a chance ‘Ren’ is merely a place or thing that’s considered important within the ranks of the First Order, hence the title ‘Knights of Ren.’
One way or another, all will be revealed once Star Wars: The Last Jedi bows on December 15th.